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Teen awarded €15k following bicycle incident

The matter was before the court to approve an assessment by the Personal Injuries Board

A gravely ill teenager has been awarded over €15,000 after he was knocked off his bicycle last September when out for a cycle near Milltown, in Co Kerry.

The Circuit Criminal Court in Killarney was told that Donal Walsh, 16, has asked that the money go towards his older sister's education, as he has so little time left himself.

The teenager, whose account of his illness and appeal against youth suicide has been highlighted over the past four weeks, was described by presiding Judge Pauline Codd as "a beacon of light".

The matter was before the court to approve an assessment by the Personal Injuries Board .

The suit against the driver of a car and another named person had been brought to the injuries board on the minor's behalf by his father Fionnbar.

The court heard how Donal, of Hare Street, Blennerville, Tralee, had been cycling on 10 September last year when a car coming from a minor roadway collided with him and he was taken to Kerry General Hospital.

Judge Codd noted injuries were soft tissue to his left chest and upper abdomen.

She approved the order of €15,454.99 - comprising €15,000 general damages for pain and suffering and special damages for the cost of the bicycle of over €400 as well as application fees of €45 to the injuries board.